Of the many APIs we published this week, eight were highlighted on the blog by our team of writers. In this post, we’ll illuminate those eight by throwing them into the spotlight. The eight included the Invisible Hand API. Invisible Hand, web browser add-on, is dedicated to informing the user of the cheapest price on millions of products ranging from flight discounts to tooth brushes. It does so by matching UPC, ISBN and EANs to products from the search box. Furthermore, it includes roughly 700 retailers and 600 Airlines and has saved users a breath taking one billin dollars since its inception. To learn more about the Invisible Hand API visit the Invisible Hand site as well as the Invisible Hand API blog post.

The MailZ API joins 106-customer relationship management APIs in our directory by providing a full SMPT service. This service is highly scalable, with no limits or constraints on email volume, and offers IT support. Support can be as simple or involved as needed with services for inbox placement, email bouncing, suppression lists, and feedback loop requests. Furthermore, it is specifically designed to integrate with pre-existing CRM services to aid their effectiveness in reaching custoemrs. To learn more about the MailZ API visit the MailZ site as well as the MailZ API blog post.

The ComputeNext API gives developers the possibility to utilize infrastructure as a service through its cloud computing functionality. Users who implement ComputeNext get the basic functions of cloud computing, which include storage and network capability that can be self-provisioned, metered, and on demand. The beauty about IaaS is that it can be deployed immediately with complete control over the infrastructure. This means developers can customize the exact constraints they need for their application. Public cloud providers continue to grow, making IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS more attractive. To learn more about the ComputeNext API visit the Compute Next site as well as the Compute Next API blog post.

If you are a Sony camera owner, you will be happy to hear the release of the Sony Camera Remote API. The API allows developers to create applications that are able to control Sony cameras and access images already on the camera via tablet and smartphone devices. Currently, the API only works on four Sony camera models, the Action Cam HDR-AS30, video recorder HDR-MV1, and digital still camera Cyber-shot DSC-QX100, and DSC-QX10. The beta phase has received many requests from developers to have access over the core camera functions like auto focusing, white balance, and shutter speed. Expect to see these functions and more in the final release. TO learn more about the Sony Camera Remote API visit the Sony Camera Remote site as well as the Sony Camera remote API blog post.

The Honeywell Comfort Control API allows developers programmatic access to Honeywell Wi-Fi enabled thermostats. This gives them the power to leverage energy efficiency by controlling their thermostats via smartphone, tablet, and computer devices. Honeywell plans to come out with a whole wave of APIs allowing remote control of Honeywell security functions, lighting control, mode control, and even the ability to open and close garage doors. To leaner more about the Honeywell Comfort Control API and all Honeywell APIs visit the Honeywell site as well as the Honeywell API blog post.

Web hosting is relatively inflexible in providing users the exact services they wish to have. Instead you pay a premium for the service you want, and get bundled into services that you don’t need. Minicloud is a company dedicated to providing that flexibility. With the Minicloud API, developers can modify and cancel their web services through third party applications and websites. They simply select their CPU speed, memory size, disk storage, and metwork speed for however many websites they have. The price is then customized based upon those attributes. To learn more about the Minicloud API visit the Minicloud site as well as the Minicloud API blog post.

If you take public transportation in Switzerland you may be interested in hearing about the Transports Publics Genevois Real-Time Open Data API. The API provides programmatic access to real-time, hourly Transport Publics Genevois data such as stop times at various different stations, departure times, and traffic updates on trains. This is the first of its kind for public transportation in Switzerland and could provide public transportation users with knowledge that could save them time and money. Developers just need to create apps first. To learn more about the TPG Real-Time Open Data API visit the TPG site as well as the TPG API blog post.

Beanbooks grew out of a desire to have simpler accounting practice for small businesses operating ecommerce platforms online. Specifically, it allows front-end system, the site or store, to interact with the backend accounting necessary for running a business and not being bogged down by book keeping. The Beanbooks API allows developers to integrate the Beanbooks functionality with their site or application. It acts as the back-end accounting system by creating all the necessary documents needed for accounting without any data entry. To learn more about the Beanbooks API visit the Beanbooks site as well as the Beanbooks API blog post.

Facebook, which is now trading close to its IPO price, has released the Keyword Insights API. The API allows registered developers to create real time data analysis on popular news and stories found throughout Facebook’s stream. Functionality allows developers to query Facebook post over the past 12 days, probably due to the vastness of data in a larger time span, and break it down by age, gender, and location. The possibilities of this API on understanding the masses topic of discussion could be crucial to understanding how different locations and age groups have opinions on information. To learn more about the Keyword Insights API visit the Facebook site as well as the Keyword Insights API blog post.

The Stride API is a CRM package designed for small businesses. Functionality is divided between seven main functions. Deal overview, which shows the deals being provided to customers, tagging and filtering that lets deals be related, metrics and insights for management purposes, notes and deal history for accounting purposes, as well as email sifting, tasks and notifications for deals, and Excel export capabilities to document it all. The management aspect comes in through real time collaboration, the seventh main function. It allows small business teams to see the work that needs to be done so they can efficiently complete tasks. To learn more about the Stride API visit the Stride site as well as the Stride API blog post.

The Guidebox API provides avide TV watchers with what they need to find their favorite TV shows online. It does so by aggregating services like Netflix and Hulu into its search capabilities. Users simply search their designated show and see where it is available. Developers can integrate the functionality into their websites or third party applications to allow their app users and site visitors the ability to search for their shows. Guidebox has three partners with the service, GetGlue, DuckDuckGo, and ShareTV, all of which have users and sites related to TV and shows. To learn more about the Guidebox API visit the Guidebox site as well as the Guidebox API blog post.

About the author:Matthew Scott
Matt is a finance major at the Lundquist College of Business. He currently manages his own portfolio with aspirations of becoming a certified financial planner in the near future. To connect with Matt, please visit his Google+ and LinkedIn profiles.